Director in Hollywood

In a luxurious apartment in Los Angeles, Keanu Reeves sat in silence as his agent spoke passionately.

"Keanu, you can't go on like this. You need to pull yourself together and stop living so aimlessly." The agent's voice was filled with concern.

Keanu Reeves remained silent, giving no indication of what was going through his mind.

But that didn't matter. The agent's primary goal was to persuade Keanu Reeves to step out of his house and start engaging with the world again. Besides, Gilbert's invitation was already in hand—an opportunity Keanu Reeves couldn't afford to miss.

"Keanu, do you remember whose movie made you a Hollywood A-lister?"

Keanu Reeves finally reacted, lifting his head to look at his agent.

"It was Director Gilbert," the agent continued. "His film Speed propelled you to the top of Hollywood's A-list.

"Now, he's extending an invitation to you once again. This is a chance for a fresh start."

Keanu Reeves finally spoke. "Director Gilbert reached out to me personally?"

"Yes, that's right," the agent nodded. "It's an action sci-fi film, and you're one of the few actors Gilbert specifically named.

"Give it your best, Keanu. Land this role."

In Santa Monica, at the new offices of Melon Studios, an audition was underway. The casting for the male lead, Neo, was scheduled later, while the female lead, Trinity, was being auditioned first.

"Oh my God, Sally, you look absolutely stunning. I can't help but want to pin you against the wall right now," Charlize Theron's assistant joked.

"This outfit is too tight. It's a bit uncomfortable," Charlize Theron said, slightly unzipping the back of her costume, revealing her fair skin.

Charlize Theron had a broad frame but was an excellent clothes hanger. Wearing the black bodysuit, she perfectly showcased her tall and slender figure.

The assistant grumbled, "Sally, you've worked with Gilbert for so long. Why does he still insist on holding auditions? Can't he just cast you directly?"

Charlize Theron defended Gilbert. "It doesn't work that way, darling. For a project this big, the casting needs to be fair. It can't be a one-man decision.

"Come on, let's wait outside the audition hall."

Charlize Theron strode out, her assistant following closely behind with a water bottle.

She refused to drink any water before the audition—her tight black bodysuit was not the most bathroom-friendly outfit.

Inside the audition hall, Halle Berry was performing her scene. Unlike Charlize Theron, who had been well-prepared, Halle Berry had only a few minutes to familiarize herself with the role.

Unsurprisingly, she failed to impress the director's team and producers.

However, out of courtesy, audition results were never announced on the spot. Typically, only the chosen actor would receive a call three days later.

The others? If they didn't hear back, they'd know they didn't get the part.

Why not notify everyone? Simple—saving face. Telling someone they didn't pass the audition could be embarrassing. While Gilbert himself might not care about such things, his team had to consider the egos of these A-list actors.

After Halle Berry's audition, it was Nicole Kidman's turn.

Tom Cruise had initially wanted to audition for The Matrix, but Paramount pressured him to start preparing Mission: Impossible 2, so he reluctantly withdrew.

Instead, he sent his wife, Nicole Kidman, and personally asked Gilbert to give her a chance.

Many industry insiders speculated that the golden couple's relationship was on the rocks. But seeing this, those rumors seemed completely false—their bond appeared strong.

Nicole Kidman's acting skills were solid.

She also had the tall and elegant physique that suited Trinity's black bodysuit—arguably looking even more striking than Charlize Theron.

But there was one major issue—North American audiences didn't take to Nicole Kidman.

With her track record of box office flops, few were willing to take the risk of casting her.

After Nicole Kidman finished her audition, Gilbert personally walked her out.

Given their good relationship, he was upfront with her. "Your facial features are too sharp. You're better suited for villainous roles—like the Evil Queen in Snow White."

Nicole Kidman sighed. "So, I didn't get the role?"

"Sorry, Mary," Gilbert said after a pause. "Have you heard that I'm adapting The Lord of the Rings?"

Nicole Kidman nodded.

Gilbert continued, "Go read The Lord of the Rings. Pay close attention to Galadriel. I think you'd be a great fit."

"Is that a promise?" Nicole Kidman's disappointment quickly turned into hope.

"Take it as you will, Mary..." Gilbert patted her shoulder, only to realize that, in heels, she was half a head taller than him.

Nicole smiled and bent her knees slightly, embracing Gilbert. "If you're free, let me take you to dinner. I know a great place."

"Sure, I'd be honored."

As they parted, Gilbert added, "I heard Kubrick's health isn't great. If he offers you a role, you should seriously consider it."

Nicole Kidman was puzzled. She hadn't heard anything about a Kubrick project involving her.

But before she could ask, Gilbert had already returned to the audition hall.

Nicole looked at the waiting actresses, spotting one particularly striking figure in a black bodysuit—Charlize Theron.

It was clear. The role had already been decided. The rest of them were just fillers.

Did all the women around Gilbert get so lucky? Nicole Kidman suddenly thought about Tom Cruise and her so-called best friend, Naomi Watts.

A wave of frustration surged through her.

Especially Naomi Watts. Back when she first arrived in Los Angeles, struggling to get by, Nicole had helped her survive.

But now?

Naomi Watts was an A-lister, starring in Twister and Contact, both major successes.

And Nicole? Stuck in the same place.

This disparity made her resent Tom Cruise even more—and envious of her former best friend, now just a superficial acquaintance.

A thought crossed her mind.

Why not? Why couldn't she get close to Gilbert and create her own opportunity?

Perhaps Galadriel was that chance.

As for Kubrick's project, she dismissed it entirely.

Charlize Theron watched Nicole Kidman leave, deep in thought.

If anyone posed a real challenge in this audition, it was that Australian actress.

But from the way Gilbert had personally escorted her out, it was clear she wasn't getting the role.

Gilbert and the Cruise couple had a good relationship, so he had simply been giving her an explanation out of courtesy.

Looking around the audition hall, Charlize Theron spotted other contenders—Penélope Cruz, Uma Thurman, and Jennifer Connelly.

They were all rising Hollywood stars, but none seemed like real competition.

Except Jennifer Connelly. She was stunning—the kind of beauty that fit Gilbert's taste.

Charlize Theron knew her man well.

Sure, Jennifer Connelly was beautiful, but Gilbert wasn't the type to be easily swayed by a pretty face. Otherwise, in a town like Hollywood, he'd never get any work done.

Even she had met him through Cameron Diaz while attending acting classes.

And their first night together? It had been on a mountaintop near San Francisco Bay, by a television signal tower—one of the most romantic moments of her life.

Gilbert wasn't one to make the first move. Sometimes, the women around him had to give him a little push.

With that in mind, Charlize Theron walked over and greeted Jennifer Connelly.

"Hey! You're Jennifer Connelly. You were in Once Upon a Time in America and The Hot Spot. I've seen your movies—you're great."

Jennifer Connelly was caught off guard.

Who was this tall, long-legged woman in a black bodysuit?

Her agent had warned her not to talk to other actresses during auditions.

But she knew Charlize Theron—one of Gilbert's rumored girlfriends.

Thinking it would be fine, Jennifer shyly smiled. "Hello, Miss Theron."

"Call me Sally," Charlize Theron replied cheerfully, sitting beside her and striking up a conversation.

An old industry veteran had once said—Charlize Theron wasn't the most beautiful actress in Hollywood, but when it came to scheming and strategy, she ranked among the best.

Jennifer Connelly had started young, starring in Once Upon a Time in America at just fourteen.

She had experience, but she wasn't on the same level as Charlize Theron when it came to navigating Hollywood.

One had an agenda. The other was unaware.

They chatted until Jennifer Connelly was called in for her audition.

She performed decently but wasn't as strong as Nicole Kidman or even Halle Berry.

After her, it was Charlize Theron's turn.

Jennifer Connelly, feeling it would be impolite to just leave, decided to wait for her to finish.

As soon as Charlize Theron walked in, she was met with praise.

Producer Charles Roven said, "Gilbert, I think we can skip the rest. Just cast Sally already!"

The directors nodded in agreement.

James Gunn even joked, "My God, in that outfit, she'll have every male viewer's eyes glued to the screen."

Despite the enthusiasm, Charlize Theron insisted, "I think I should perform my audition first. It wouldn't be fair otherwise."

"That's a good point," Gilbert agreed, nodding to the assistant director. "Cameras ready—let's go with Script B."